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Any quick tips for Instructors using Top Hat?

Quick Tips

Communication methods

  • Communicate via different venues, such as your syllabus, Canvas, first day in class, etc., that accommodations are available to ensure all learners are successful.
  • Read aloud Top Hat activities, questions and discussion statements. Clarify any ambiguous wording before polling. Do not use special terms, and educational jargon if you can avoid them.
  • Summarize poll/assessment results and visualizations aloud

Time allotted

  • Allow time for thinking before asking to submit responses.
  • You may also choose to opt-out of using a timer for Top Hat learning activities. If you do decide to use a timer, verbalize how much time is left before polling is closed. Keep watching your learners in order to make a call when to end time on task.
  • Be flexible in the task time allowed: if 20 seconds for responding to a Top Hat question is expected, extend the time allotment to 60 seconds for all to ensure equal access. Increase time on the spot in Top Hat, learn how from the Top Hat: Setting a Response Timer on your Question web guide.

Alternative submissions

  • Consider exempting learners from using Top Hat if a need is communicated and documented; possibly allow such learners to submit responses on paper or via email.